One thing I love most about living in the Pacific Northwest is the seemingly endless options for weekend getaways and adventures. Growing up on the east coast, you could be in a different state in an hour in some cases, but just because there are only a couple of states within driving distance, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a multitude of opportunity on a full tank of gas! You can travel in any direction from Seattle and find magic. Kevin & I (& Lemon) have enjoyed some truly glorious weekend getaways & I wanted to share some of my favorites with you! Each category could clearly be its own post, but if you’re stuck looking for inspiration, I figured it was a good idea to have them all in one spot!
For the Love of Wine
Let’s be real – I love having wine as an excuse to visit anywhere in the world (see out latest trips to France, Spain, Portugal & Argentina!) and there is SO much great wine here in the Pacific Northwest!!
Cave B – My absolutely favorite weekend getaway. This jaw-dropping estate is situated right on the Gorge in Quincy, WA giving you sweeping views of the Columbia River Valley AND delicious wine. There’s only one restaurant on site, so plan ahead if you’ll be there for multiple meals! (We just ate there twice and it was heaven). Also features an excellent spa! (Pictured below)
Willamette Valley – Home of the delectable pinot noir, the Willamette Valley in Oregon has some beautiful vineyards to explore. Some of our favorites included: Soter Vineyards & Sokol Blosser. (Pictured above)
Chelan – I LOVE visiting Lake Chelan. Eastern Washington is a completely different landscape and is *usually* able to provide just what the doctor ordered: Vitamin D! We love camping at 22 Mile Creek, kayaking in the lake & driving around to our favorite wineries. A couple to note: Lake Chelan Winery, Fielding Hills & Nefarious Cellars. (Pictured below)
Suncadia – Gorgeous near-by resort town with spa, golfing, wineries etc! (Pictured above)
Another nearby spot we want to check out is Tri-Cities, WA! There are MANY vineyards and wineries in the greater Yakima, Tri-Cities & Walla Walla area! Not to mention another good dose of Vitamin D!
Exploring Nearby Cities & Towns
The big cities are few & far between in the Pacific Northwest, but the tiny towns are also ideal for a weekend away!
Portland – We could eat and drink our way through Portland forever and still just scratch the surface. Some of our favorite spots are Base Camp Brewing and Pok Pok. (Pictured below)
Vancouver – I took the Bolt Bus up to Vancouver to visit my sister and it was a surprisingly easy 4 hour ride. We loved exploring Stanley Park & eating by the waterfront! (Pictured above)
Leavenworth – A perfect choice any time of year, but especially magical around the holidays! Also a lovely choice in the summer when outdoor activities are aplenty!
Sleepy getaways – Vashon Island, Langley on Whidbey Island, Lake Crescent & Port Townsend – Head west, my friend & explore the adorable & quaint towns dotted throughout the Sound and the Olympic Peninsula! We love getting off the grid and heading over to these sleepy getaways.
A little further – Victoria, BC (take the Clipper! Doable in a weekend), I reccommend a *long* weekend (ideally 4 days, minimum – 2 days for driving there and back, two days in town) to explore Whistler, BC (epic snow sports in the winter & fabulous hiking in the summer) and Bend, OR (so excited to check out this town soon!)
Above: Port Townsend, WA, Below: Whistler, BC
Experience the Magic of the Outdoors
Hiking ABOUNDS in every corner of this beautiful state! It’s easy to find camping spots, rustic cabins & Airbnb’s to enjoy nature’s playground.
Skykomish – Close to Stevens Pass – ideal for a winter snow-shoeing getaway!
Mount Baker & the North Cascades – snowshoe or drive up to Artists Point to catch a 360 degree view of ALL the majestic mountains! (Pictured below)
Mount Rainier – Paradise Lodge – simply said, this mountain & national park is a MUST SEE. Wildflowers are in bloom in July/August and dot the side of this active volcano, making it one of the most beautiful sights on the planet (I may be a little biased). (Pictured at the top of this post)
San Juans – Roche Harbor is like stepping back in time to an adult campground / Disneyland. They have whale watching and kayak tours in the summertime and perform the Colors Ceremony (taking down the flags) every night at sundown. I’ve gotten to photograph a few weddings at Roche and it is beyond dreamy. Plus the ferry ride up is heaven. (Pictured below)
Want to check out – Cannon Beach – This spot has been on my list since we moved to the Pacific Northwest but has alluded us still! One day, and hopefully one day SOON, we will make it to this magical destination in Oregon!
Hope this post helps you plan your next adventure & encourages you to explore this beautiful region! I love calling the Pacific Northwest home!
